Pokhara International Airport Sees Just Seven International Flights So Far
Loan of NPR 22 billion from the Chinese government, the airport was officially opened on 17th January 2023 (Poush 17, FY 2079/80)
Samrat Timalsina
Kathmandu | Despite being built with billions in loans, Pokhara International Airport has only seen seven international flights since its opening. According to the annual progress report (FY 2080/81) released by the Prime Minister's Office, the airport, which was inaugurated nearly two years ago, has fallen far short of its intended flight targets.
Constructed with a concessional loan of NPR 22 billion from the Chinese government, the airport was officially opened on 17th January 2023 (Poush 17, FY 2079/80). It was designed with the ambition of hosting six international flights daily.
However, from its opening in January 2023 until mid-July, only two international flights took off. In the following fiscal year (FY 2080/81), though the target was set at 50 international flights, only five actually took place.
In comparison, Gautam Buddha International Airport aimed for 350 international flights last year, but managed just 120, according to the same report.
The low number of flights raises concerns over the airport’s ability to meet its initial goals and fully utilise the significant investment made in its construction.
